American Water Becomes First Water Utility to Join Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council

January 26, 2012

American Water Works Company, Inc., the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced it has joined the Alternative Fuels Renewable Energies Council (AFREC). This makes American Water the first U.S. water utility to join AFREC.

“We are pleased to join this alliance of industry leaders to explore ideas and innovative practices that will benefit our customers, the environment and the balance sheet,” said American Water President and CEO Jeff Sterba. “As the only AFREC member representing the water and wastewater industry, we look forward to sharing our expertise in developing sustainable and environmentally sound solutions to power our highly energy-intensive operations – while learning from the experience of other AFREC partners.”

As an example, Sterba pointed to American Water’s partnership with ENBALA Power Networks. American Water is the first U.S. water utility to use ENBALA’s Smart Grid technology, which harnesses the flexibility of the company’s demand-side assets to deliver Grid Balance to the electric power system. The technology manages the manner in which electrical equipment – which in this case is American Water’s treatment plants and pumps – uses power without impacting the efficiency of its process or its operational costs.

“American Water’s acumen to implement sustainable water resource management practices and invest in water sector infrastructure exemplifies visionary leadership. Efficiency of water management with economic growth are inextricably linked. American Water’s adoption of water sustainability policies and practices serve as an inspiration to all corporations,” said Rosemary T. McAvoy, AFREC President.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada.